Function control method for camera

ABSTRACT

In a camera which obtains a still image and/or a moving image, at least a part of functions of the camera are previously restricted. To lift the restrictions, an operation restriction code (key data) is used. An externally inputted code and the operation restriction code are compared with each other, and if the input data and the operation restriction code correspond with each other, the restrictions of the functions are lifted.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera and its control method,and more particularly, to function control method for camera.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In a digital camera which is convenient in that an image obtainedby image sensing is freely deleted or a particular image is selected andprinted out, thereby image sensing cost is reduced, is becoming popular.A low-price digital camera is realized by omitting a part of functions,i.e., a flash lamp or removable recording medium. In comparison with ahigh-price digital camera, the low-price camera cannot providesufficient image sensing quality.

[0003] To improve image quality, it is necessary to install an expensivelens and high-speed image processor in a digital camera, and thus, thereis a limit to reduction of production cost with maintained imagequality. Further, as a digital camera has no consumable part, theproduction cost cannot be compensated by earnings of such consumablepart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention has been made in consideration of the abovesituation, and has its object to provide a high-quality camera toconsumers at a lower price.

[0005] According to the present invention, the foregoing object isattained by providing a camera comprising:

[0006] (A) a function restriction device adapted to restrict a part of afunction of the camera; and

[0007] (B) an input device adapted to input predetermined data forlifting the restriction from outside.

[0008] According to the present invention, the foregoing object is alsoattained by providing a camera comprising:

[0009] (A) a display device adapted to display an advertisement; and

[0010] (B) a function restriction device adapted to restrict at least apart of a function of the camera,

[0011] wherein an operation of the function restriction device anddisplay of the advertisement on the display device are related to eachother.

[0012] Further, the foregoing object is also attained by providing acontrol method of a camera comprising; restricting a part of a functionof the camera and lifting the restriction in response to input ofpredetermined data from outside.

[0013] Furthermore, the foregoing object is also attained by providing acontrol method of a camera capable of displaying an advertisementcomprising; restricting at least a part of a function of the camera andrelating an operation of the function restriction device and display ofthe advertisement to each other.

[0014] Further, the foregoing object is also attained by providing acomputer control program for a camera comprising; restricting a part ofa function of the camera and lifting the restriction in response toinput of predetermined data from outside.

[0015] Further, the forgoing object is also attained by providing acomputer control program for a camera capable of displaying anadvertisement comprising; restricting at least a part of a function ofthe camera and relating an operation of the function restriction deviceand display of the advertisement to each other.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame name or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

[0018]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the construction of a cameraaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cameraaccording to the first embodiment;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a table showing an example of operation restriction codeaccording to the first embodiment;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of function restrictionstatus code according to the first embodiment;

[0022]FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example of use of thecamera according to the first embodiment;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cameraaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of advertisement status codeaccording to the second embodiment; and

[0025]FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing an example of use of thecamera according to the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedin detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

[0027] <First Embodiment>

[0028]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the construction of a cameraaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 201 denotes an image sensing devicesuch as a CCD; 202, an image capture circuit; 214, a microphone whichinputs sound data; 203, a memory such as a DRAM for storing an imagesignal outputted from the image capture circuit 202; 204, a memory card;and 209, a memory card interface (MC I/F) for connection with the memorycard 204.

[0030] Further, numeral 205 denotes a display device such as a colorliquid crystal display device which displays an image obtained by theimage sensing device 201; 215, a sound reproduction device connected tothe display device 205; 206, an external connection terminal; and 213,an external device.

[0031] Further, numeral 208 denotes an operation unit; 210, a controllerwhich controls the overall camera; 211, a timer; and 212, a program ROM(PROM) for storing programs. Numeral 207 denotes a data bus throughwhich the controller 210 and other respective elements of the camera areconnected for transmission/reception of data and control signal.

[0032] Next, an operation of the camera having the above constructionaccording to the first embodiment will be described with reference tothe flowchart of FIG. 2.

[0033] First, at step S101, when a button provided on the operation unit208 of the camera is depressed, the controller 210 detects thedepression of the button, and starts the camera. Hereinbelow, thecontroller 210 controls the operation of the camera in accordance with aprogram previously stored in the PROM 212. Note that it may be arrangedsuch that the entire or part of the program is stored in the memory card204.

[0034] Next, at step S102, the controller 210 performs communicationwith the PROM 212 and the memory card 204, and searches for an operationrestriction code previously stored in the PROM 212 or the memory card204. The operation restriction code will be described in detail laterwith reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The operation restriction code may berecorded in any of the PROM 212 and the memory card 204. Further, theoperation restriction code may be encoded by using predeterminedencoder. In such case, the controller 210 decodes the operationrestriction code by using predetermined decoder.

[0035] Upon search for operation restriction code, the controller 210performs communication through the MC I/F 209 with the memory card 204.As the memory card 204 is removable from the MC I/F 209, when the memorycard 204 is removed, the MC I/F 209 notifies the controller 210 ofabsence of the memory card 204.

[0036] At step S103, if it is determined that an operation restrictioncode has been obtained at step S102, the controller 210 decodes theoperation restriction code. On the other hand, if there is no operationrestriction, i.e., if it is determined that an operation restrictioncode has not been obtained or if the operation restriction code does nothave any code indicating an operation restriction, the process proceedsto step S104. If there is an operation restriction, the process proceedsto step S105.

[0037] At step S104, image sensing, reproduction and communicationoperation can be performed in response to an operation of the operationunit by a user without operation restriction. The image sensingoperation and the reproduction operation can be simultaneouslyperformed, or one of the operations may be disabled when image sensingor reproduction is performed. Hereinbelow, the respective image sensing,reproduction and communication operations will be described.

[0038] <Image Sensing Operation>

[0039] When the user selects the image sensing operation, the controller210 controls the image capture circuit 202, and displays an imageobtained by the image sensing device 201 as a moving image on thedisplay device 205, so that the user can use the display device 205 asan image view finder. The image capture circuit 202 may have opticallens driver, focus controller and aperture driver in accordance withnecessity. The controller 210 controls these means in accordance withnecessity and inputs an image.

[0040] In this state, if the user designates recording of still image ormoving image by using the operation unit 208, the controller 210 writesan image signal outputted from the image capture circuit 202 into theDRAM 203. The resolution or size of the image outputted from the imagecapture circuit 202 is controlled by the controller 210 incorrespondence with settings designated in the PROM 212. The image iscompressed in the JPEG or MPEG format and is written into the DRAM 203.When a moving image is recorded, the image capture circuit 202 receivessound data from the microphone 214 connected thereto and adds the sounddata to the moving image data.

[0041] Further, the controller 210 obtains current time data from thetimer 211 and adds the time data to the compressed image data written inthe DRAM 203. The controller 210 writes the data through the MC I/F 209,as a still image having, e.g., horizontal 2048 pixels×vertical 1560pixels or a moving image having, e.g., horizontal 640 pixels×vertical480 pixels, into the memory card 204.

[0042] Every time the controller 210 writes image data into the memorycard 204, it acquires the remaining capacity of the memory card 204, andchecks the amount of image data currently recorded on the memory card204 and the recordable data amount.

[0043] <Reproduction Operation>

[0044] When the user selects the reproduction operation by the operationunit 208, the controller 210 reads image data from the memory card 204through the MC I/F 209. If the read image data is compressed in the JPEGor MPEG format, it is decompressed and displayed on the display device205. If sound data is added to the read image data, the sound data isreproduced by the sound reproduction device 215 connected to the displaydevice 205.

[0045] <Communication Operation>

[0046] The user connects the external device 213 to the externalconnection terminal 206 and instructs to transmit image data using theoperation unit 208, and the image data written in the memory card 204 orPROM 212 can be transmitted to the external device 213.

[0047] Returning to the control in FIG. 2, at step S103, if it isdetermined that there is an operation restriction, the process proceedsto step S105.

[0048] Next, the operation restriction code will be described. FIG. 3shows an example of the operation restriction code. The operationrestriction code (key data) in FIG. 3, which is 16 byte data, includesthe following data.

[0049] way of lifting operation restriction code

[0050] lift code (for all the functions) ULALL

[0051] function restriction status STLF

[0052] function restriction change codes ULF0-ULF6

[0053]FIG. 4 shows an example of types of the above function restrictionstatus STLF. The function restriction status STLF includes 8 types ofdata (UL0 to UL7), i.e., data indicating that use of LCD view finderfunction is enabled/disabled (UL0), data indicating that moving imagerecording is enabled/disabled (UL1), a data indicating image recordingsize (UL2), data indicating that recording of image sensing time isenabled/disabled (UL3), a recordable data amount (UL4), recordable time(UL5), data indicating that the reproduction operation isenabled/disabled (UL6), and data indicating that the communicationoperation is enabled/disabled (UL7).

[0054] At step S105, it is determined whether or not the lift code ULALLof the operation restriction code decoded at step S103 is in thefactory-configured status. In the factory-configured status, the liftcode ULALL is “0” and all the restrictable functions (UL0 to UL7) arerestricted by the function restriction status STLF. If it is determinedthat the lift code is in the factory-configured status, i.e., the liftcode ULALL=0 holds, the process proceeds to step S109, while if it isdetermined that the lift code is not in the factory-configured status,i.e., ULALL≠0, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0055] At step S106, the controller 210 displays a menu to update theoperation restriction code or lift the restriction on the display device205 in accordance with a program previously recorded in the PROM 212.The user performs an operation in accordance with the displayedprocedure. If the user selects not to update/lift the operationrestriction code, the process proceeds to step S107, while if the userupdates/lifts the restriction, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0056] At step S107, the image sensing, reproduction and communicationoperations with restrictions are performed in correspondence withsettings of the operation restriction code. The respective imagesensing, reproduction and communication operations with operationrestrictions will be described hereinbelow. The image sensing,reproduction and communication operations are performed incorrespondence with the user's operation at the operation unit 208. Theimage sensing operation and the reproduction operation may besimultaneously performed, or the image sensing or reproduction operationmay be disabled while the other operation is performed.

[0057] In the respective operations, the controller 210 reads thefunction restriction status STLF in Byte 2 of the operation restrictioncode in FIG. 3 recorded in the memory card 204 or the PROM 212, andperforms the operations while always referring to the functionrestriction status STLF. As described above, the function restrictionstatus STLF indicates the settings of the restrictable operations in thepresent camera as shown in FIG. 4.

[0058] <Restricted Image Sensing Operation>

[0059] If the user selects the image sensing operation, the controller210 obtains image sensing start time TCAPSTA from the timer 211.Further, the controller 210 controls the image capture circuit 202 anddisplays an image obtained by the image sensing device 201, as a movingimage, on the display device 205, thereby the user can use the displaydevice 205 as an image view finder. However, if the LCD view finderfunction UL0, set in Byte 0 of the function restriction status STLF, is“1”, the view finder function is disabled. Note that the image capturecircuit 202 may have an optical lens driver, focus controller andaperture driver in accordance with necessity. The controller 210controls these units in accordance with necessity and inputs an image.

[0060] Upon image sensing operation, the controller 210 periodicallyobtains current time TNOW from the timer 211. At the same time, thecontroller reads the recordable time UL5 set in Byte 5 of the functionrestriction status STLF in FIG. 4. If TEN indicating the recordable timeis set, the controller compares the recordable time TEN, the imagesensing start time TCAPSTA and the current time TNOW. IfTNOW>TCAPSTA+TEN holds, the controller 210 notifies the user of thelapse of restricted time by the display device 205, and terminates theoperation. If the recordable time TEN=0 holds, the image sensing time isnot restricted.

[0061] In the first embodiment, only the time elapsed from the start ofthe camera is restricted, however, the total camera use time may berestricted by recording the image sensing start time TCAPSTA into thePROM 212 only when the camera has first started. Further, thereproduction operation may be similarly restricted.

[0062] In this status, the user designates recording of still image ormoving image by using the operation unit 208. If moving image recordingis designated, the controller 210 checks the moving image recording UL1of the function restriction status STLF. If the moving image recordingUL1 is “1” (disabled), the controller 210 notifies the user that themoving image recording is disabled by using e.g. the display device 205.

[0063] If still image recording is designated or moving image recordingis designated when moving image recording UL1=0 (enabled) holds, thecontroller 210 writes an image signal outputted from the image capturecircuit 202 into the DRAM 203. The resolution or size of the imageoutputted from the image capture circuit 202 is controlled by thecontroller 210 in correspondence with settings designated in the PROM212. The image is compressed in the JPEG or MPEG format and is writteninto the DRAM. When a moving image is recorded, the image capturecircuit 202 receives sound data from the microphone 214 connectedthereto and adds the sound data to the moving image data.

[0064] The controller 210 checks the status of recording of imagesensing time UL3 indicated in Byte 3 of the function restriction statusSTLF. If the recording of image sensing time UL3 is “0” (enabled), thecontroller obtains current time data from the timer 211 and adds thetime data to the compressed image data written in the DRAM 203, andwrites the data through the MC I/F 209 into the memory card 204 inaccordance with necessity.

[0065] On the other hand, recording of image sensing time UL3=1(disabled) holds, the time data is not added to the image data writteninto the memory card 204.

[0066] Further, the controller 210 checks the image recording size UL2indicated in Byte 2 of the function restriction status STLF. If UL2=0,the controller 210 writes the data as a still image having, e.g.,horizontal 2048 pixels×vertical 1560 pixels or a moving image having,e.g., horizontal 640 pixels×vertical 480 pixels, into the memory card204.

[0067] On the other hand, if UL2=1 holds as the image recording size,the controller 210 records the data in a restricted recording size. Forexample, the controller writes the data, as a still image havinghorizontal 640 pixels×vertical 480 pixels or a moving image havinghorizontal 160 pixels×vertical 120 pixels, into the memory card 204.

[0068] Every time the controller 210 writes the image data into thememory card 204, it checks the remaining capacity of the memory card204, and checks an amount CDQ of image data currently recorded on thememory card 204 and a recordable data amount CDEQ.

[0069] If the recordable data amount UL4 in Byte 4 of the functionrestriction status STLF is not “0” but DENQ, the controller 210 comparesthe amount DENQ with the above amount CDQ, and stops the image sensingoperation when DENQ<CDQ holds.

[0070] <Restricted Reproduction Operation>

[0071] If the user selects the reproduction operation by using theoperation unit 208, the controller 210 reads image data from the memorycard 204 through the MC I/F 209.

[0072] Note that the controller 210 does not perform the reproductionoperation if the reproduction operation UL6 in Byte 6 of the functionrestriction status STLF is “1” (disabled).

[0073] If the read image data is compressed in, e.g., the JPEG or MPEGformat, the controller decompresses the image data, and displays thedata on the display device 205. If sound data is added to the read imagedata, the controller reproduces the sound data by the sound reproductiondevice 215 connected to the display device 205.

[0074] <Restricted Communication Operation>

[0075] The user connects the external device to the external connectionterminal 206 such that the user transmits the image data written in thememory card 204 or PROM 212 to the external device by sending aninstruction from the operation unit 208. Note that if the communicationoperation UL7 indicated in Byte 7 of the function restriction statusSTLF is “1” (disabled), the controller 210 does not performcommunication.

[0076] Returning to FIG. 2, at step S108, update/lifting of operationrestriction code is performed. The update/lifting of operationrestriction code is made by two methods, and one of them is recorded inthe operation restriction code previously recorded in the PROM 212 orthe memory card 204.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 3, Byte 0 of the operation restriction codeindicates the method for lifting the operation restriction code. If Byte0=0 holds, the controller 210 requires through the display device 205the user's inputting the lift code. The user inputs the lift code byusing the operation unit 208. The controller 210 compares the input codewith the lift code ULALL indicated in Byte 1 of the operationrestriction code recorded in the PROM 212, and if the codes correspondwith each other, the controller deletes the operation restriction code.

[0078] If the codes do not correspond with each other, the controllercompares the input code with the function restriction change codes ULF0to ULF6 which start from Byte 10. If a corresponding code is found, thecontroller updates the function restriction status STLF recorded in theByte 2 of the operation restriction code. As described above, thefunction restriction status STLF includes information on restrictedfunctions of the camera. For example, if the input code corresponds withULF0, the restriction of the Byte 0 of the STLF is lifted.

[0079] Further, if Byte 0 of the operation restriction code is “1”, thecontroller 210 requires through the display device 205 the user'sconnecting the external device 213 to the external connection terminal.When the controller 210 detects that the external device 213 has beenconnected to the external connection terminal 206, the controllerperforms communication with the external device 213, and receives a liftcode equivalent to the code inputted by the user when Byte 0=0 held orfunction restriction lift code from the external device 213. Thecontroller 210 performs function restriction lifting similar to thatwhen Byte 0=0 held by using the received code.

[0080] Further, if it is determined at step S105 that the lift codeULALL is in the factory-configured status, the operation restrictioncode is registered at step S109.

[0081] As described above, if the lift code ULALL of the operationrestriction code is “0”, the camera is in the factory-configured status.

[0082] At this time, in accordance with the program previously writtenin the PROM 212, the camera displays a request for input of lift codeand function restriction code on the display device 205.

[0083] The user of the camera at this time is e.g. a camera seller. Theabove input request is made only when ULALL is “0”.

[0084] The camera seller selects functions to be restricted, and writesthe lift code ULALL and necessary function restriction change codes ULF0to ULF6 by using the operation unit 208. Regarding functions not to berestricted, it is not necessary to input corresponding functionrestriction change codes.

[0085] The controller 210 rewrites the function restriction status STLFso as to restrict the functions corresponding to the input functionrestriction change codes.

[0086] At step S110, when termination of operation is designated by theoperation unit 208, the controller 210 stops the operation of thecamera. To continue the image sensing or reproduction operation, theprocess returns to step S102.

[0087] Further, in a case where the number of recorded images hasexceeded the number of recordable images previously designated in thePROM 212, when the storable data amount becomes less than a thresholdvalue previously recorded in the PROM 212, the controller 210 terminatesthe image sensing operation.

[0088] Further, it may be arranged such that if the controller 210 hasdetected reduction of driving power, temperature or the like by itsauxiliary sensor, the controller 210 displays the detected status on thedisplay device 205, and terminates the image sensing operation inaccordance with necessity.

[0089] Regarding the above-described camera, charging can be made by thefollowing method as shown in FIG. 5.

[0090] First, a camera maker delivers the camera to the camera seller ata price A.

[0091] The camera seller sets function restrictions on the camera infactory-configured status as described at step S109. The user purchasesthe camera from the camera seller at a price B. Assuming that A>B holds,the camera seller bears the cost A−B. At this time, the functions of thecamera are restricted.

[0092] The user can obtain a code to lift the above operationrestrictions by purchasing another product at a price C from the cameraseller and/or obtaining a print service at a price D.

[0093] For example, it may be arranged such that the lift code can beobtained by connecting the camera of the first embodiment to a printservice device at the store of the camera seller. Further, in a casewhere the user orders printing via the Internet, the lift code may beobtained on the Internet and inputted by utilizing the operation unit ofthe camera.

[0094] The camera seller can offset the cost A−B by making a profitequal to or more than the cost A−B by the sale of the other product orparticular service.

[0095] As a result of the above system, the camera seller can lower theprice of the camera, and the user can purchase a high-performance cameraat the cost of purchase of the other product/service. The presentinvention is particularly advantageous in a case where the serviceprovided by the camera seller is image printing.

[0096] Note that in the above-described first embodiment, the cameraoperations are restricted by the operation restriction code, however,the operation restriction code may be replaced with any operation enablecode. It may be arranged such that the operations are enabled when theoperation enable codes exist.

[0097] <Second Embodiment>

[0098] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed. Note that as the construction of the camera of the secondembodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described withreference to FIG. 1, the explanation of the construction will beomitted.

[0099]FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cameraaccording to the second embodiment.

[0100] First, at step S201, when the button provided on the operationunit 208 of the camera is depressed, the controller 210 detects thedepression of the button, and starts the camera. Hereinbelow, thecontroller 210 controls the operation of the camera in accordance with aprogram previously stored in the PROM 212. Note that it may be arrangedsuch that the entire or part of the program is stored in the memory card204.

[0101] Next, at step S202, the controller 210 performs communicationwith the PROM 212 and the memory card 204, and searches for theoperation restriction code and an advertisement status code previouslystored in the PROM 212 or the memory card 204. The operation restrictioncode has been described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Theadvertisement status code includes a method for changing advertisementdata, an advertisement data file name, an advertisement dataauthentication code and an advertisement data validity term. Theadvertisement data is still image data or moving image data includingaudio data. The details of the advertisement status code will bedescribed later with reference to FIG. 7. The operation restriction codeand the advertisement status code may be recorded in any of the PROM 212and the memory card 204. Further, the operation restriction code and theadvertisement status code may be encoded by using predetermined encoder.In such case, the controller 210 decodes the operation restriction codeby using predetermined decoder.

[0102] Upon search for an operation restriction code and anadvertisement status code, the controller 210 performs communicationthrough the MC I/F 209 with the memory card 204. As the memory card 204is removable from the MC I/F 209, when the memory card 204 is removed,the MC I/F 209 notifies the controller 210 of absence of the memory card204.

[0103] If advertisement data exists (YES at step S203), the controller210 displays the advertisement data on the display device 205 at stepS204. By this operation, the user feels as if the advertisement data isdisplayed when the camera is started. If no advertisement data exists,the process proceeds to step S205.

[0104] Next, at step S205, if an operation restriction code has beenobtained at step S202, the controller 210 decodes the operationrestriction code. On the other hand, if there is no operationrestriction, i.e., if an operation restriction code has not beenobtained and if the operation restriction code does not have any codeindicating operation restriction, the process proceeds to step S206. Ifthere is an operation restriction, the process proceeds to step S208.Note that even in a case where there is no operation restriction, if noadvertisement status code has been detected, the process proceeds tostep S208.

[0105] The controller 210 reads the authentication code of theadvertisement data included in the advertisement status code andcompares it with the advertisement data. The authentication code of theadvertisement data, corresponding to the advertisement data, is, e.g., aprime number with which initial several ten bytes of the advertisementdata can be divided out. If an error occurs in this comparison, it isdetermined that the advertisement data has been falsified, and theprocess proceeds to step S208. If there is no file corresponding to theadvertisement data file name included in the advertisement status code,the process also proceeds to step S208. At this time, the controller 210updates the operation restriction code so as to validate all therestrictions of the operation restriction code.

[0106] Next, the controller 210 compares the advertisement data validityterm included in the advertisement status code with current time of thetimer 211. If the current time exceeds the validity term, the controller210 updates the operation restriction code so as to validate all therestrictions of the operation restriction code, and performs theoperation at step S208.

[0107] At step S206, the image sensing/reproduction/communicationoperations with display of advertisement are performed by the user'soperation at the operation unit 208. These operations may besimultaneously performed, or one of the operations may be performedwhile the other operations are disabled. Hereinbelow, the respectiveimage sensing, reproduction and communication operations with display ofadvertisement at step S206 will be described.

[0108] <Image Sensing Operation with Display of Advertisement>

[0109] When the user selects the image sensing operation, the controller210 controls the image capture circuit 202, and displays an imageobtained by the image sensing device 201 as a moving image on thedisplay device 205, so that the user can use the display device 205 asan image view finder. The image capture circuit 202 may have opticallens driver, focus controller and aperture driver in accordance withnecessity. The controller 210 controls these units in accordance withnecessity and inputs an image.

[0110] Note that the user can designate from the operation unit 208 asto whether or not the display device 205 is to be utilized as an imageview finder. If the user designates that the image sensing finder isenabled, the controller 210 displays the advertisement data upon startof the finder display.

[0111] Further, when the user designates termination of the finderdisplay, the controller 210 displays the advertisement data.

[0112] It may be arranged such that the controller 210 measures timewhere the image sensing operation is not performed by the timer 211 andperiodically displays the advertisement data in such time, in additionto upon turning ON/OFF of the finder. In this case, if image sensing andrecording operations are designated while the advertisement data isdisplayed, the recording operation is performed prior to the display ofthe advertisement data.

[0113] In this state, if the user designates recording of a still imageor a moving image by using the operation unit 208, the controller 210writes an image signal outputted from the image capture circuit 202 intothe DRAM 203. The resolution or size of the image outputted from theimage capture circuit 202 is controlled by the controller 210 incorrespondence with settings designated in the PROM 212. The image iscompressed in the JPEG or MPEG format and is written into the DRAM. Whena moving image is recorded, the image capture circuit 202 receives sounddata from the microphone 214 connected thereto and adds the sound datato the moving image data.

[0114] Further, the controller 210 obtains current time data from thetimer 211 and adds the time data to the compressed image data written inthe DRAM 203. The controller 210 writes the data through the MC I/F 209,as a still image having, e.g., horizontal 2048 pixels×vertical 1560pixels or a moving image having, e.g., horizontal 640 pixels×vertical480 pixels, into the memory card 204. Note that the image data may bewritten into the PROM 212 in accordance with a predetermined program.

[0115] Every time the controller 210 writes the image data into thememory card 204, it checks the remaining capacity of the memory card204, and checks the amount of image data currently recorded in thememory card 204 and the recordable data amount.

[0116] In a case where the speed of writing into the memory card 204 islow, it takes several seconds to several ten seconds to write the image.The controller 210 predicts this writing time, and if the writing timebecomes equal to or longer than the predetermined period, the controllerdisplays the advertisement data during the writing.

[0117] Generally, even in a case where the user designates the imagesensing operation, a status where the camera cannot perform the imagesensing operation occurs. For example, the camera is in such status uponwriting to the memory card as above, strobe charging, image sensing byusing a self timer, display of warning or the like. In such case, theadvertisement data may be displayed.

[0118] <Reproduction Operation with Display of Advertisement>

[0119] When the user selects the reproduction operation by the operationunit 208, the controller 210 reads image data from the memory card 204through the MC I/F 209. If the read image data is compressed in the JPEGor MPEG format, the controller 210 decompresses the image data, anddisplays the data on the display device 205. If sound data is added tothe read image data, the controller reproduces the sound data by thesound reproduction device 215 connected to the display device 205.

[0120] The controller 210 displays the advertisement data on the displaydevice 205 at previously designated timing. For example, every time whena predetermined number of recorded images are displayed, or atpredetermined periods in reproduction, the advertisement data isdisplayed. Note that if the advertisement is displayed duringreproduction of moving image, the moving image is temporarily stopped.At this time, the controller 210 displays a blank image (monochromeimage of entire white, black or the like) for about 1 second before andafter the display of the advertisement data such that the user caneasily discriminate the recorded image from the advertisement data.

[0121] Note that in a case where the advertisement data and the recordedimage data can be simultaneously displayed, they may be displayed on thesame screen.

[0122] The user can perform automatic reproduction of recorded images inthe camera sequentially or at random at predetermined intervals. Theuser may feel unpleasant if the advertisement data appears during theautomatic reproduction operation, it may be arranged such that thedisplay of advertisement data during the automatic reproduction isdisabled and the advertisement is displayed upon start and end of theautomatic reproduction, in accordance with a predetermined program.

[0123] <Communication Operation with Display of Advertisement>

[0124] The user connects the external device 213 to the externalconnection terminal 206 such that the image data written in the memorycard 204 or PROM 212 is transmitted to the external device 213 bysending an instruction from the operation unit 208.

[0125] During the communication, the controller 210 displays theadvertisement data on the display device 205 at previously designatedtiming. The timing is the same as that upon reproduction.

[0126] At step S207, when termination of operation is designated by theoperation unit 208, the controller 210 stops the operation of thecamera. To continue the image sensing/reproduction/communicationoperation, the process returns to step S202.

[0127] Further, in a case where the number of recorded images hasexceeded the number of recordable images previously designated in thePROM 212, when the storable data amount becomes less than a thresholdvalue previously recorded in the PROM 212, the controller 210 terminatesthe image sensing operation.

[0128] Further, it may be arranged such that if the controller 210 hasdetected reduction of driving power, temperature or the like by itsauxiliary sensor, the controller 210 displays the detected status on thedisplay device 205, and terminates the image sensing operation inaccordance with necessity.

[0129] At step S208, it is checked whether or not the camera is in thefactory-configured status. As the checking operation is the same as theoperation at step S105 in the first embodiment, the explanation of itwill be omitted. If the camera is in the factory-configured status, theprocess proceeds to step S212, while if the camera is not in thefactory-configured status, the process proceeds to step S209.

[0130] At step S209, the controller 210 displays a menu to update theoperation restriction code or lift the restriction on the display device205 in accordance with a program previously recorded in the PROM 212.The user performs an operation in accordance with the displayedprocedure. If the user selects not to update/lift the operationrestriction code, the process proceeds to step S210, while if the userupdates/lifts the restriction, the process proceeds to step S211.

[0131] At step S210, the image sensing, reproduction and communicationoperations with restrictions are performed in correspondence withsettings of the operation restriction code. As the respective imagesensing, reproduction and communication operations with operationrestrictions are the same as those described at step S107 in FIG. 2, theexplanations of the operations will be omitted. At this time, differentfrom the image sensing and reproduction operations at step S206, theadvertisement is not displayed in the image sensing and reproductionoperations.

[0132] The image sensing operation and the reproduction operation may besimultaneously performed, or the image sensing or reproduction operationmay be disabled while the other operation is performed.

[0133] At step S211, different from the first embodiment, the operationrestriction can be lifted by updating the advertisement data. Further,it may be arranged such that the display of advertisement data isstopped and the camera operation restriction is enabled by deleting theadvertisement data.

[0134] There are two ways of updating advertisement data, and one ofthese ways is recorded in the advertisement status code previouslyrecorded in the PROM 212 or the memory card 204.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 7, the Byte 0 of the operation restriction codeindicates the way of updating the advertisement data. If Byte 0 =0holds, the controller 210 requires through the display device 205 theuser's selection of advertisement data. The user selects anadvertisement by using the operation unit 208.

[0136] Further, if Byte 0 =1 holds, the controller 210 requires throughthe display device 205 the user's connecting the camera with theexternal device 213. When the controller 210 detects that the externaldevice 213 has been connected to the external connection terminal 206,the controller 210 performs communication with the external device 213.By this communication, the controller 210 receives new advertisementdata and new advertisement status data from the external device 213, andwrites the data into the memory card 204 or the PROM 212.

[0137] Note that it may be arranged such that the user writes the data,from any substitute device for the external device 213, into the memorycard 204 or the PROM 212. Further, it may be arranged such that theexternal connection device 206 is not used but the data is directlywritten into the memory card 204 which is removed from the camera.

[0138] Further, if it is determined at step S208 that the camera is inthe factory-configured status, the controller 210 registers theadvertisement data at step S212 then registers the operation restrictioncode in accordance with a predetermined program at step S213.

[0139] Regarding the above-described camera, charging can be made by amethod as shown in FIG. 8.

[0140] First, the camera maker delivers the camera to the camera sellerat a price A. The camera seller performs the operations at steps S212and S213, thereby registers the advertisement data and the functionrestriction code into the camera in the factory-configured status. Theuser purchases the camera from the camera seller at a price B. If A>Bholds, the camera seller bears the cost A−B.

[0141] The camera seller receives an advertisement rate E from anadvertiser of the above registered advertisement data, to compensate thecost A−B.

[0142] The camera seller obtains a profit equal to or more than the costA−B as an advertisement income, thereby the camera seller can offset thecost A−B.

[0143] As a result, the camera seller can lower the price of the camera,and the user can purchase a high-performance camera.

[0144] <Other Embodiment>

[0145] The present invention can be applied to a system constituted by aplurality of devices (e.g., a host computer, an interface, a camerahead) or to an apparatus comprising a single device (e.g., electroniccamera for sensing a moving image or a still image, a camera which usesa silver halide film).

[0146] Further, the object of the present invention can also be achievedby providing a storage medium holding software program code forperforming the aforesaid processes to a computer system or an apparatus(e.g., a personal computer), reading the program code by a CPU or MPU ofthe computer system or apparatus from the storage medium, then executingthe program.

[0147] In this case, the program code read from the storage mediumrealizes the functions according to the embodiments, and the storagemedium holding the program code constitutes the invention.

[0148] Further, the storage medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk,an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetictape, a non-volatile type memory card, and a ROM, and a computer networksuch as LAN (local area network) and WAN (wide area network), can beused for providing the program code.

[0149] Furthermore, besides aforesaid functions according to the aboveembodiments are realized by executing the program code which is read bya computer, the present invention includes a case where an OS (operatingsystem) or the like working on the computer performs a part or entireprocessing in accordance with designations of the program code andrealizes functions according to the above embodiments.

[0150] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a case where,after the program code read from the storage medium is written in afunction expansion card which is inserted into the computer or in amemory provided in a function expansion unit which is connected to thecomputer, a CPU or the like contained in the function expansion card orunit performs a part or entire processing in accordance withdesignations of the program code and realizes the functions of the aboveembodiments.

[0151] In a case where the present invention is applied to the aforesaidstorage medium, the storage medium stores program code corresponding tothe flowchart shown in FIG. 2 and the data shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, orthe flowchart shown in FIG. 6 and the data shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7described in the embodiments.

[0152] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments andvarious changes and modifications can be made within the spirit andscope of the present invention. Therefore, to apprise the public of thescope of the present invention, the following claims are made.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera comprising: (A) a function restrictiondevice adapted to restrict a part of a function of said camera; and (B)an input device adapted to input predetermined data for lifting saidrestriction from outside.
 2. The camera according to claim 1, whereinsaid function restriction device restricts respective parts of aplurality of functions of said camera, and selects a function whoserestriction is to be lifted among said plurality of functions inaccordance with data inputted by said input device.
 3. The cameraaccording to claim 1, wherein said function restriction device restrictsdisplay of a display device.
 4. The camera according to claim 1, whereinsaid function restriction device restricts display of an image on adisplay device.
 5. The camera according to claim 1, wherein saidfunction restriction device restricts display of an image to be sensedon a display device.
 6. The camera according to claim 1, wherein saidfunction restriction device inhibits display of an image on a displaydevice.
 7. The camera according to claim 1, wherein said functionrestriction device restricts recordable capacity of an image sensed bysaid camera.
 8. The camera according to claim 1, wherein said functionrestriction device restricts reproduction of an image sensed by saidcamera.
 9. The camera according to claim 1, wherein said functionrestriction device restricts recording of image sensing time.
 10. Thecamera according to claim 1 further comprising a communication deviceadapted to communicate with an external device, wherein said functionrestriction device restricts a function of said communication device.11. The camera according to claim 1, wherein said function restrictiondevice restricts at least one of an image capturing time period, size ofan image, resolution of an image, and a moving image sensing operation.12. The camera according to claim 1 further comprising a display deviceadapted to display an advertisement, wherein display of theadvertisement on said display device and an operation of said functionrestriction device are related to each other.
 13. The camera accordingto claim 1 further comprising a display device adapted to display anadvertisement, wherein when display of the advertisement on said displaydevice is lifted, said function restriction device performs saidrestriction.
 14. The camera according to claim 1 further comprising adisplay device adapted to display an advertisement, wherein when displayof the advertisement on said display device is not lifted, said functionrestriction device lifts said restriction.
 15. A camera comprising: (A)a display device adapted to display an advertisement; and (B) a functionrestriction device adapted to restrict at least a part of a function ofsaid camera, wherein an operation of said function restriction deviceand display of the advertisement on said display device are related toeach other.
 16. The camera according to claim 15, wherein when displayof the advertisement on said display device is lifted, said functionrestriction device performs said restriction.
 17. A control method of acamera comprising: restricting a part of a function of said camera andlifting said restriction in response to input of predetermined data fromoutside.
 18. A control method of a camera capable of displaying anadvertisement comprising: restricting at least a part of a function ofsaid camera and relating an operation of said function restrictiondevice and display of the advertisement to each other.
 19. A computercontrol program for a camera comprising; restricting a part of afunction of said camera and lifting said restriction in response toinput of predetermined data from outside.
 20. A storage medium storingsaid computer control program according to claim
 19. 21. A computercontrol program for a camera capable of displaying an advertisementcomprising; restricting at least a part of a function of said camera andrelating an operation of said function restriction device and display ofthe advertisement to each other.
 22. A storage medium storing saidcomputer control program according to claim 21.